Endocrine Abstracts

Background: A significant body of research indicates that transgender and gender-nonconforming persons represent an underserved population susceptible to health care disparities. The attitudes and knowledge of medical doctors toward transgender people have important implications for the future quality of healthcare for transgender patients.

Specific Aim: The aim of this study was an assessment of coverage of transgender care issues in training curricula of endocrinologists in Poland, including educational and practical experience while providing health care to transgender persons.

Methods: An anonymous survey was sent via electronic mail to the members of the Polish Society of Endocrinology. Survey questions were designed to assess the transgender health issues coverage during training, personal experience with transgender patients and attitudes toward gender-affirming interventions.

Results: A total of 110 endocrinologists responded to the online survey, 74 fully answered questionnaires (67.27%) were analysed. The majority of respondents were between the age of 35-54 (n=50; 67.57%) with minimal 10 years seniority. Years in practice were not associated with the level of transgender care training. Among respondents, 21 doctors (28.28%) provided hormonal gender-affirming interventions for transgender patients. The vast majority of endocrinologists did not receive during residency any training on the care of transgender patients, including communication skills (n=54; 72.97%) and therapeutic recommendations (n=37; 50.00%). Assessment of willingness to provide health care to transgender persons revealed that 22 respondents (29.73%) have concerns in this area. In this group, most doctors (n=15; 68.18%) did not have any previous experience with transgender patients. The main indicated obstacle was lack of experience and competence (n=19; 82.61%). Endocrinologists, who provide hormonal gender-affirming interventions represent a higher level of participation in training on the care of transgender patients (OR=4.0, P<0.003) and acceptance of hormone interventions as well as surgical procedures (OR=6.6, P<0.002).

Conclusion: Medical school and residency curricula are lacking in the content of transgender care. As a result, personal and professional comfort levels while providing medical care to transgender and gender non-conforming persons could be inadequate. Efforts should be made to provide the proper education on health care issues related to gender incongruence.